Beta-tricalcium phosphate/type I collagen cones with or without a barrier membrane in human extraction socket healing: clinical, histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical evaluation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the healing of human extraction sockets filled with β-tricalcium phosphate and type I collagen (β-TCP/Clg) cones with or without a barrier membrane. Twenty patients were divided in two groups: (A) β-TCP/Clg non-membrane and (B) β-TCP/Clg + barrier membrane. Clinical examination and biopsies from the grafted sites were collected 9 months later. Bone samples were analyzed using histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. The horizontal dimension of the alveolar ridge was significantly reduced 9 months after socket preservation in the non-membrane group. There was bone formation with no significant differences between the two groups in the areas occupied by new bone (A = 42.4%; B = 45.3%), marrow (A = 42.7%; B = 35.7%), or residual graft (A = 9.7%; B = 12.5%). Immunohistochemistry revealed osteonectin expression in both groups. Both groups demonstrated sufficient amounts of vital bone and socket morphology to support dental implant placement after the 9-month healing period. A future trial to evaluate the alveolar outcomes at an earlier 6-month time point rather than the 9 months used in this study would be of interest.